Electromagnetic pumping device for pumping fluids



NOV. 17, 1953 A, RYBA 2,659,310

ELECTROMAGNETIC PUMPING DEVICE FOR PUMPING FLUIDS Filed Sept. 2, 1950 2 Sheets-Sheet l ll W- "-...E f Q I IN VEN TOR.

A. RYBA Nov. 17, 1953 ELECTROMAGNETIC PUMPING DEVICE FOR PUMPING FLUIDs 2 sheets-sheet. 2

Filed Sept. 2, 1950 Patented Nov. 17, 1953 ELECTROMAGNETIC PUMPING DEVICE FOR PUMPIN G FLUIDS Anton Ryba, Bolzano, Italy Application september 2, 195o, serial No. 182,982

This invention relates to electromagnetic pumping devices for pumping a gaseous or liquid fluid either with or without increase in pressure.

In particular, the present invention relates to an electromagnetic pumping device or compressor of the type in which electromagnetic means comprising a. plurality of concentric magnetic circuits each including exciting coil means and core material and forming one or two substantially continuous surfaces are disposed within a housing. Each of the said surfaces may be inwardly curved to form a shallow bowl. The concentric circuits coact with armature means in form of a flexible diaphragm which is supported along its periphery in the housing in a position facing the continuous surface or surfaces and 'forms together with each adjacent continuous surface a pumping chamber. Electric means are provided for energizing the said concentric circuits intermittently so as to cause the diaphragm to oscillate thereby intermittently varying the capacity of the pumping chamber or chambers. cates with fluid admission means and uid dischargemeans. The fluid admission means admit fluid into the respective chamber upon oscillation of the diaphragm in one direction and. the fluid discharge means discharge fluid from the respective chamber upon oscillatory movement of the diaphragm in opposite direction.

Electromagnetic pumping means of this type are more fully described in my co-pending application Ser. No. 46,377 filed on August 27, 1948 now issued as Patent 2,630,760 on March 10, 1953.

With electromagnetic pumping device of the general type, above referred to, the most favorable distribution of the magnetomotive forces affecting the oscillations `of the armature and, hence, the efficiency of the pumping device offers considerable difliculties by reason of the variance in the airgap between the diaphragm and the individual concentric circuits of the electromagnetic means.

Accordingly, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide means by which the most favorable distribution of the magnetomotive forces across the radial width of the electromagnetic means and the armature means and, hence. across the width of the pumping chamber or chambers can be efficiently and conveniently attained.

Another object of the invention is to provide means by which magnetomotive forces affecting the oscillations of the armature means are gradually or step by step increased toward the center 'of the armature means. This has the advantage iof counterbalancing the .increase ofthe aia-gapV Each pumping chamber communi- Y 11 Claims. (Cl. 103-53) between the oscillating armature means and the adjacent continuous surface .or surfaces toward the center of the armature means. As will be obvious, the larger sections of the air gap require larger magnetomotive forces.

Other and further objects, features and advantages of the invention will be pointed out hereinafter and set forth in the appointed claims forming part of the application.

In ther accompanying drawing several now preferred embodiments of the invention are shown by way of illustration and not by way of limitation.

In the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic pumping device according to the invention.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of Fig. 1 after removal of the top portion of the pumping device.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional detail view of a Vmodification of the armature means of the device.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a modifica.- tion o1' an electromagnetic pumping device according to the invention.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional detail view of another modification of the armature means for a pumping device according to the invention, and

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic circuit system for the electromagnetic means of a pumping device` according to the invention.

Referring first in detail to the embodiment shown on Figs. 1 and 2, the electromagnetic pumping device according to these figures is shown as a double acting pump for pumping liquid or gas. `It comprises two casing or housing halves I and 2 housing the electromagnetic means of the device. These electromagnetic means are shown as comprising an upper set A and a lower set B of concentric magnet members. Three members generally designated by 3, 4, 5 and 6, 1, 8 are shown for each set. Each of said members comprises an annular iron core 40 of substantially U-shaped cross-section. The annular cores may be ring-shaped, polygonal or otherwise shaped. They may be secured'to the respective casing half by any suitable means such as rivets. The exciting coils 4| of the magnet members are inserted in the open grooves of the cores and are embedded therein in a mass of an insulation material 42 of a type becoming very hard when dry. This insulation mass together with the pole faces of the cores forms a substantially continuous smooth surface in form of a substantially concavely curved shallow bowl as can be clearly seen on Fig. 1. This figure also shows that the Shanks of the cores are tapered .fingers each covering one of the holes 44.

vlar channel 24 thereby from channel 24 a discharge valve 20.

toward the pole faces to provide for the greatest possible flux density of the magnetic fields at or near the pole faces.

The two halves I and 2 of the casing or housing are joined by any suitable means such as bolts and nuts I0.

The armature means, generally designated by D, are inserted between the two halves of the casing facing the two sets A and B of the electromagnetic means. The armature means are shown in form of a flexible diaphragm which may comprise a single disc or be composed of several thin discs or laminae. There are shown two outer full or cover discs II and I2 made of ferromagnetic or other magnetizable material and two inner or filling discs I3 and I4 which may or may not be made of magnetizable material. The inner discs I3 and I4 are each provided with a plurality Yof radially spaced slots 43 each in registry with one of holes 44 in the cover'discs. A slotted valve plate 45'of comparatively rigid material is fastened by means of arivet 46 to the outsidel of each cover plate. As can best'be seen on'Fg. 2, the slots of valve plates 45 form a plurality of AS will be more fully explained later on, plates 45 together with holes 44 form valves. Rivet46 is preferably unround to prevent rotation of valve plates 45relative to holes 44.

The diaphragm disc is held along its periphery between the halves of the casing and is centered in the casing by means of a vcentering ring 9. Two sealing rings I1 and I6 serve to prevent seepage between the casing halves and the outside of cover plates I I and I2.

As can best be seen on Fig. 1, the peripheral edge of the diaphragm is extended into an annu- `permitting fluid to ow into'slots43. Channel 24 communicates with an inlet flange 23 which should vbe visualized asrbeing'connected'to a supply of fluid to be pumped.

The diaphragm formsA together with each adjacent continuousfsurfacea pumping chamber I5 and I6 respectively. 'Chamber I5 connects with a discharge valve I9 and chamber I6 with a Each dischargel valve comprises a valve plate 41 pressed by a. spring 48 against a valve seat. .The valve plates, when seated, close a bore 49 leading into the respective pumping chamber.

According tothe invention, the magneto-motive forces generated by the magnetic circuits increase 'toward the center of the pumping device. As Ican be `clearly seen on Fig. 1, the individual concentric circuits have successively increasing iron cores and also larger exciting coils for the purpose of providing increasing magnetomotive forces required by reason of the increase of the airgap toward the center of the device.

The thickness of the diaphragm is also preferably increased toward the center of the diaphragm, either gradually or step by step. As

shown on Fig. l, the thickness of the inner or ,iilling discs I3 and I4 is gradually or uniformly increased toward the center. The increase in the thickness of the diaphragm is preferably sellected according to the dimensions and magneto- `motive properties of the magnetic circuit faced by a respective zone of the diaphragm.

The use of a. diaphragm thus varying in thickness has the advantage that the swinging or oscillating masses can .be reduced toa minimum and that the iron losses can also be kept ata minimum.

The electric connections for energizing the magnetic circuits of the sets A and B respectively can be so made that all the members of the tivo sets are alternately and intermittently energized or that the individual coils of each set are successively energized. The connections of the individual coils in each set'of magnetic circuits may also be so made that the direction of current is reversed in the coils of adjacent annular cores and that the direction of the current ilow in the corresponding exciting coils of the upper set and in the lower set of magnet members is opposite. As a result, the magnetization of the diaphragm during thealternate excitation of the upper and lower set is not reversed and the iron losses of the diaphragm are thus reduced.

Suitable connections are shown in Fig. 6. The arrows a indicate the direction of the magnetic flux for each annular core element, and the marks in the coils (circle with `point and circle with cross) indicate the direction of current in the respective coil.

In the diagram, A is the upper and B is the lower set of magnetmembers; a single phase alternating current generator is designated by W; G and G1 indicate the rectiiiers in the one phase net; R and S are the main lines from the generator; and M are cut-out fuses.

The operation of the double acting pumping device or compressor, as hereinbefore described, is as follows:

When the compressor .is connected to a circuit system according to Fig. 6, the rectiiiers (each group of coils must'be connected to a rectifier) G and G1 let each pass one half wave of the alternating current. Accordingly, during each half period the lower and upper set of magnetic circuits are alternately vexcited so that the magnetic attraction forces' thus created pull the diaphragm alternateLv into opposite directions. Consequently, the diaphragm is flexed toward the curved surface of the excited set of magnet members. At the -same time a partial vacuum is formed inthe pumpingchamber bounded by the opposite face of the diaphragm so that gas or liquid is sucked through the annular channel 24, the radial slots-43 of the suing discs I3 and la and the temporarily uncovered openings 44. The other plate, of course. remains pressed against the diaphragm. vAs a result, fluid is sucked into the respective pumping'chamber. If the other pumping chamber'has been previously filled with fluid, this fluid will press the respective valve plate 41 away from its seat so that the fluid is discharged through the respective discharge valve I9 or 20. Thesame cycle is repeated when the other set of magnetic circuits is subsequently energized.

Let it be assumed that the upper set of magnetic circuits is excited. Then, the outer marginal zone of the diaphragm is first attracted since the air gap is smallest in this zone. As a result, the compression'of fluid in the respective pumping chamber begins and the air gap is gradually reduced from the exterior toward the center as the deflection of the diaphragm progresses. By reason of the hereinabove described increase of the available magnetomotive forces toward the center, the diaphragm will be flexed rapidly and forcefully toward the respective curved surface and hug the same closely thereby insuring' 'a powerful intake and discharge action.

In certain instances, the use of a diaphragm having a uniform thickness in connection with magnetic circuits increasing in magnetomotive .or symmetrically on both sides.

force toward the center is practical and advisable.

Fig. 3 shows a diaphragm D' of uniform thickness composed of cover discs I I and I2 and inner discs I3 and I4 of uniform thickness. The thickness of the diaphragm should be selected according to the requirements of the largest magnetic circuit shown as the magnet member of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 shows a single acting electromagnetic pumping device or compressor according to the invention which is based upon the same principle as the previously described pump. The electromagnetic means of the pumping device according to Fig. 4 comprise only one set of magnetic circuits 3', 4 and 5 increasing in size and, hence, magnetomotive force. The members forming the circuits are fitted in the two halves A and B of the casing. The pole faces of the magnet members again form together with the insulation mass 42 a continuous substantially concavely curved surface. This curved surface together with a diaphragm generally designated by D forms the single pumping chamber 3'! of the device. The diaphragm comprises a full cover plate and several slotted plates 26, 2'I and 28. A valve plate 30 is fastened to cover plate 25 and forms together with holes 50 valves as has been described in connection with Figs. l and 2.

As Will be noted, plates 26, 2l and 28 have different diameters so that the total thickness of the diaphragm is increased toward the center of the diaphragm. It will be evident that the eiect of the magnet members of the circuits increasing toward the center in dimensions and of the diaphragm increasing in thickness toward rthe center is the same as has been described in connection with Figs. 1 and 2. The face of the diaphragm opposite to the pumping chamber 31 bounds a chamber 5I corresponding in function to annular channel 24. Chamber 5I communicates with an inlet flange 33 corresponding in function to inlet flange 23. The pumping chamber 31 communicates with a discharge valve 32 which in design and function is similar to valve I9 or 20. The diaphragm is engaged by one end of a spring 3l which is fastened to the diaphragm by means of a rivet or screw 29 also serving to secure the valve plate to cover plate 25. The other end of the spring is secured to casing half A by means of a nut 52.

Spring 3| is so loaded that it Will pull back the diaphragm into the position shown on Fig.

e after the magnet members 3', 4' and 5 become I deenergized. In other Words, the spring performs substantially the same function as the .second set of magnet members provide in a double acting compressor.

The electric connections of the device may vbe as previously described or any other electric connections suitable for the purpose and well known in the art may be employed.

The operation of the pump according to Fig. 4 will be obvious from the previous description.

Fig. 5 shows an arrangement in which the increasing thickness of the diaphragm is obtained by providing concentric ribs or reinforcements 34, and 36 disposed in accordance with the positions of the individual magnetic circuits.

It will be obvious that the effect will be substantially the same whether the reinforcements of the diaphragm are provided on one side only Furthermore,

CII

6 the effect is approximately the same with a. kstep by step and a gradual ork uniform increase'in the thickness of the diaphragm.

A symmetric distribution of the reinforcements on both sides of the diaphragm is preferable for double acting pumps while one sided reinforcements appear to be more suitable for single acting pumping devices.

The curvature of the continuous surface formed by the magnetic circuits is preferably selected in accordance with the deflections of the diaphragm to ravoid the retention of local airgaps.

With a single acting pump according to Fig. 4, the surface of the pumping chamber 31 formed by the magnetic circuits can also be made plane in which case the necessary suction space is formed by lifting` the diaphragm vertically to its plane.

The number of concentric magnetic circuits can be freely selected within a wide'range. The diaphragm can be kept the lighter the more concentric magnetic circuits are provided.

While the invention has been described in detail with respect to certain now preferred examples and embodiments of the inventionit will be understood by those skilled in the art after understanding the invention, that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and it is intended, therefore, to cover all such changes and modifications in the vappended claims.

What is claimed as new cured by Letters Patent is:

l. In an electromagnetically actuated pumping device for pumping a fluid, in combination a housing, an electromagnetic means comprising a plurality of ring shaped magnetic circuit means disposed within the housing in concentric arrangement, the said ring-shaped circuit means forming at least one substantially continuous surface, each of said circuit means including exciting coil means and ferromagnetic core means, the said individual circuit means when energized generating differently strong magneto-motive forces, armature means in form of a flexible diaphragm, the said diaphragm being supported along its periphery Within the housing and positioned to form a pumping chamber between the diaphragm and each adjacent continuous surface, electric means for intermittently energizing said concentric magnetic circuit means so as to cause the diaphragm to oscillate thereby varying the capacity of each pumping chamber, said concentric circuit means, when magnetized, attracting adjacent corresponding zones of the diaphragm, fluid admission means arranged to communicate with each pumping chamber and to admit fluid into a chamber upon an oscillatory movement of the diaphragm in one direction, and fluid discharge means arranged to communicate With each pumping chamber to discharge fluid from a chamber upon an oscillatory movement of the diaphragm in opposite direction.

2. In an electromagnetically actuated pumping device for pumping a fluid, in combination a housing, electromagnetic means comprising a pluralityof ring shaped magnetic circuit means disposed within the housing in concentric arrangement, the said ring-shaped circuit means forming at least one substantially continuous surface, each of said circuit means including and desired to bese- .exciting coil meansmand ferromagnetic core means, the coil means andthe core means in the individual circuit means being different one from another as to their electric and magnetic properties respectively so that the individual circuit means when energized produce magnetomotive forces different in strength, armature means Vlx1-form of a flexible diaphragm, the said diaphragm being supported along its periphery within the housing and positioned to form a pumping chamber between the diaphragm and each adjacent continuous surface, electric means for intermittently energizing said concentric magnetic circuit means so as to cause the diaphragm to oscillate thereby varying the capacity of each pumping chamber, said concentrlccircuit means, when magnetized, attracting corresponding adjacent zones of the diaphragm, fluid admission means arranged to communicate with each pumping chamber and to admit fluid into a chamber upon an oscillatory movement of the diaphragm in one direction, and fluid discharge means arranged to communicate with each pumping chamber to discharge fluid from a chamber upon an oscillatory movement of the diaphragm in opposite direction.

3. A pumping device according to claim 1, wherein the said coil means and the said core means included in the individual magnetic circuit means when energized generate magnetomotive forces increasing in strength toward the center of the electromagnetic means.

4. A pumping device according to claim 2, wherein the said coil means and the said core means included in the individual magnetic circuit means are different one from another as to ampere turns and cross-section of the core means, the ampere turns and the cross-sections in individual circuit means increasing from the outer circuit means toward the inner circuit means.

5. In an electromagnetically actuated pumping device for pumping a fluid, in combination a housing, electromagnetic means comprising a plurality of ring shaped magnetic circuit means disposed within the housing in concentric arrangement, the said ring-shaped circuit means forming at least one substantially continuous surface, each of said circuit means including exciting coil means and ferromagnetic core means, the said coil means and the said core r means in the individual circuits being different one from another as to their electric and magnetic properties respectively so that the individual circuit means when energized produce magneto-motive forces different in strength, armature means in form of a flexible diaphragm having zones different in cross-sectional thickness, each of said differently thick diaphragm zones being positioned adjacent to one of said concentric magnetic circuit means, the said diaphragm being supported along its periphery within the housing and positioned to form a pumping chamber between the diaphragm and each continuous surface, electric means for intermittently energizing said concentric ringshaped circuit means so as to cause the diaphragm to oscillate thereby varying the capacity of each pumping chamber, said concentric circuit means, when magnetized, attracting corresponding adjacent zones of the diaphragm, fluid admission means arranged to communicate with each pumping chamber and to admit fluid into a chamber upon an oscillatory movement of the diaphragm in one direction, and fluid discharge means arranged to communicate with each 8 pumping chamber and to discharge duid from a chamber upon an oscillatory movement of the diaphragm in opposite direction.

6. A pumping device according to claim 5. wherein the thickness of the diaphragm zones is increased toward the center thereof.

7. A pumping device according to claim 5, wherein said diaphragm zones are concentrically arranged and gradually increase in thickness toward the center of the diaphragm, each of said concentric diaphragm zones facing a respective one of said concentric magnetic circuit means.

8. A pumping device accordlng to claim 5, wherein the said concentric diaphragm zones increase in thickness step by step toward the center of the diaphragm.

9. A pumping device according to claim l, wherein each continuous surface formed by said circuit means is substantially concavely curved relative to the adjacent side of the armature means.

10. A pumping device according to claim 1, wherein the said electromagnetic means comprise two sets of the said concentric magnetic circuit means, each of said sets forming a continuous surface, said two surfaces facing each other spaced apart, and wherein said diaphragm increases in cross-sectional thickness toward its center and is disposed between said two surfaces to form two pumping chambers therewith, the said surfaces being substantially concavely curved relative to the respective adjacent side of the diaphragm.

l1. In an electromagnetically actuated pumping device for pumping a fluid, in combination a housing, electromagnetic means comprising a plurality of ring shaped magnetic circuit means disposed within the housing in concentric arrangement, the said ring-shaped circuit means forming a substantially continuous surface, each of said circuit means including exciting coil means and ferromagnetic core means, the said coil means and the said core means in the individual circuit means being different one from another as to their electric and magnetic properties respectively so that the individual circuit means when energized produce magneto-motive forces different in strength, armature means in form of a flexible circular diaphragm, the said diaphragm being supported along its periphery within the housing and positioned to form a pumping chamber dened by the diaphragm and the continuous surface, electric means for intermittently energizing said concentric magnetic circuit means so as to cause the diaphragm to oscillate thereby varying the capacity of the pumping chamber, said concentric circuit means, when magnetized, attracting adjacent corresponding zones of the diaphragm, fluid admission means arranged to communicate with the pumping chamber and to admit fluid into the chamber upon an oscillatory movement of the diaphragm in one direction, and fluid discharge means arranged to communicate with the pumping chamber to discharge fluid therefrom upon an oscillatory movement of the diaphragm in opposite direction.

ANTON RYBA.

References Cited in the ille of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number 

